By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
Following the successful celebration of the ‘2024 Ama Asaa Day’ and progress recorded in various areas of Okpala Autonomous Community, Ngor-Okpala LGA, a prominent indigene of the area, Chief Chinonso Echebiri (Nwatayana Chi Ya Dinamma) has expressed pride and satisfaction in the leadership of HRH, Eze Obinna Eziakonwa (Assa I of Okpala Autonomous Community).
Let’s recall that Okpala Autonomous Community on Friday, December 27, 2024, celebrated her annual ‘Ama Asaa Day’. The event which took place at the Okpala Central School, witnessed the indigines and guests from various parts of the world exuding radiance of joy and togetherness, at the same time providing them the opportunity to appreciate God for His blessings and protection upon members of the community.
Speaking to newsmen at Eze Eziakonwa’s Palace, Chief Echebiri, visibly elated, rejoiced over the celebration, while appreciating the traditional ruler for bringing transformation to the community since his short time of ascending the throne. He observed that Eze Eziakonwa has done a lot to justify the longings of the Okpala people; their support for him and their desires for progress in the community.
His words: “I’m happy to be part of this great celebration in our community. ‘Ama Assa Day Celebration’ is an exceptional moment when the sons and daughters, as well as friends of Okpala Autonomous Community come together to celebrate our unity and uniqueness as a people. This day brings us joy of reunion and sense of belonging, while awakening in us the need to be good citizens, and to contribute towards community development.
“In a special way, I want to express my gratitude to our revered king, HRH, Eze Obinna Eziakonwa (Asa I of Okpala Autonomous Community) for his exceptional leadership which is witnessed in the development taking place in our community. Our Eze has given us reasons to be proud of our community. Within a short time of becoming our king, Eze Eziakonwa has championed massive transformation in Okpala Autonomous Community in many areas.
“It’s a thing of celebration and gladness that our community is witnessing infrastructural development, enhanced security and human empowerment among others through the initiatives and sacrifices of our Digital Eze. So, it my prayer for him to enjoy peace, good health, long life and prosperity in his reign. Let me reassure him of our total support for him to continue his good works in our community,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Ama Asaa Day Celebration witnessed many exciting activities like cultural dances and fireworks. It attracted dignitaries from within and outside, including, Eze Fred Nwachukwu, Eze Princewill Nwoga of Alulu Ancient Kingdom, Chief Ken Nwaokwa (Ome Udo I of Okpala Autonomous Community), High Chief Emeka Eziakonwa (Ikemba), Chief Charles Adiele, Apostle Charles Adiele (Jr.) and Okenze/ Professor Alabeke Chikwendu of the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri.
The celebration also offered Eze Eziakonwa the platform to present his achievements. To the admirations and applause of participants, the traditional ruler outlined among other things, the construction and furnishing of Obiri Ama Asaa at Umuagwu, the installation of Okpala Okenze and the enhancement of security in the area with more gadgets and equipments. Others are the establishment of a health center at Umukabi as well as award of scholarships to indigent members of the community.
